Even though 2019 is not a great year for gamers, as we didn't have many triple-A games coming out last year. However, we still saw a lot of great games coming out in the closing year of the decade, and even though we've stepped into a new era, there is still a lot of reminiscing recently.
With that mood, Metacritic has given us a look back into the gaming scene of 2019 with their list of the 2019's best-reviewed games. However, this list was not made from the opinion of the critics on the site, but from its users. The list consists of 15 games that received the highest scores from its players, but for the sake of saving your time, we'll give you the 5 best ones.
To be more specific, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice could not get its way to the top of the list anymore, as this time, Resident Evil 2 Remake has secured the crown from Metacritic. Without further ado, let's get on to the details:
1. Resident Evil 2 Remake
Supported platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
We've all known that Resident Evil 2 Remake is the not only the best game coming out 2019, but also the best remake of a classic title that we've got so far (until Final Fantasy VII Remake comes out, maybe). The game has made its way to hundreds of lists of the best games for every category: best gameplay, best shooter, best visuals..., and there's definitely a reason for it.
You can watch the trailer of the game first for more details:
Resident Evil 2 is a huge hit from Capcom back at its initial launch in 1998, which most of us only heard about it through our seniors. And to satisfy the curiosity of the young gamers and the nostalgia of the old ones, Capcon has brought back its all-time favorite titles, but with huge visual enhancements.
Stepping out from the pixel 4:3 standard, Resident Evil 2 Remake features the stunning visuals of modern standards with Unreal Engine 4. The number of details that we have in the remake game is far away from what we've expected, which has brought players a brand new experience shooting horrifying zombies in the good-old storyline.
Combining all of that greatness, it's not surprising that Resident Evil 2 Remake secured the top spot of the best user-reviewed game of 2019!
2. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Supported platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Without any questions, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is the most successful title of 2019. It has created a mass in the gaming community at its launch, still inspiring a lot of mod for the industry later, and capped 2019 with several prestigious awards, both online and offline. Of course, people love the game for its intriguing story and hardcore Souls-like action, and there is no reason that it come missing in the list of Metacritic.
Watch the trailer of the game below, and might be after this, you'll have some inspiration to play the game again:
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice takes the settings of the fictional old era of Japan (the Sengoku period, to be exact). You'll take control of the Shinobi, receiving the authentic hands and the Dragon blood from his master after a tragedic fight, and now have to fulfill the wishes by wandering in the land of Ashina.
The game features 4 endings with cover almost all possible outcomes that you could think of for the end of his journey. Unlocking one ending is already very hard with the hardcore Souls-like battles where you have to precisely dodge and counter your enemies' attacks, but unlock the hidden ending is even harder, as you will need to do it in the specific order as well.
However, that's where you'll find most of your satisfaction with this game. With a wide range of unlockable abilities, the intense sword fights, as well as some magical elements, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice match the taste of a wide range of players. That explained why the game received a lot of rewards last year.
3. Death Stranding
Supported platforms: PC, PS4
Hideo Kojima is one of the most acclaimed developers in the industry, and every time he revealed his upcoming game, people went crazy for it. Death Stranding is the best proved for this statement, as the game has stolen a lot of space on the front page of media outlets even long before its release.
And when it came out last year, we all know that it would become one of the most beloved titles of the year. Featuring the life of a shipper bringing necessary items for the disconnected areas, the journey touches the hearts of many fans, while still portraying the world beautifully after the apocalypse.
You can have a glimpse at the trailer below:
The biggest drawback of Death Stranding is that the game is exclusive for PlayStation 4, which ends up hindering the success of the game at its initial launch. Critics from Metacritic also found the game "generally favorable", pointing out that its story is too slow-paced and somewhat lacks twisting events, but it turns out, players love it more than the reviewers.
The most outstanding elements of Death Stranding are the unique concept of a disconnected world, as well as the highly-advanced technology that humankind now has to deal with the situation. Apart from that, the game is also praised for its hauntingly beautiful visuals, atmospheric soundtracks, and great voice actings, which overall drastically boost players' experiences.
If you are looking for a game with a slow-developing story so that you can enjoy its beautiful visuals and unique gameplay, don't miss out Death Stranding on its Q2/Q3 2020 PC release.
4. Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Supported platforms: Nintendo Switch
Again, Fire Emblem: Three Houses has stepped on the same route as Death Stranding, as its Switch-exclusivity has made the game unable to reach a large number of players. But despite that, the fantasy tactical RPG stills gains a lot of positive reviews from the community, and it's very reasonable considering the popularity of the franchise and its innovative gameplay.
If you are owning a Nintendo Switch, this one is a must-have on your devices. But if you don't, maybe consider watching this trailer of the game first before getting one for yourself:
The game takes place in the land of Fodlan, which was divided into three empowered regions. Taking control of the main character - a former mercenary namely Byleth by default, you will have to make your new life in independent Garreg Mach Monastery, and choose one from three sides to help them win control of the whole land.
The story of Fire Emblems: Three Houses have a lot more to mentioned (one's school life is very complicated), and you should find it out for yourself since it is told through beautiful anime-like cutscenes. However, sometimes you might get more focused on the turn-based tactical combats, where you'll become the true strategists, commanding your whole troops on the smallest action on the grid-based board. There are normal attacks, magic, retreat and many other actions, which was embellished by the gorgeous visuals of a fantasy world.
If only we could try it on the other devices!
5. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Supported platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
2019 seems to be a great year for the Star Wars franchise, as it has caught the media's attention for both its new video game and the new movie. However, if things went quite sour for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order was indeed a commercial success. It did not only won the love of fans for its splendid actions but also with its story and voice casts as well.
Doesn't have the same level of greatness as the previous games in this list, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order still stealthily made its way to the shortlist of nominations for several year-end awards. You can see how you'll become a chosen one in the trailer of the game below:
The Star Wars franchise was always the favorite of people from all generations, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order has captured it almost perfectly. It tells the story of a new youthful Jedi namely Cal Kestis, on his way to escape from the hunt of the Second Sisters and the Ninth Sisters.
In words, helping him on the fleeing way are the former Jedis and their allies, but the most helpful ones among them are the small drones that follow you throughout the story - BD-1. It will help you tremendously with the Batman Arkham-esque battles with responsive actions and advanced gears. And of course, a Jedi must show off his lightsaber skills in battles as well, and that's the main point where you'll get absorbed into its good.
The hack-n-slash actions with your lightsaber are incredibly satisfying, as you can do almost everything with it. Specifically, you can chop, you can slash, you can throw it at your enemies, and use it as a flashlight for the platforming. Of course, we could not afford to miss its stunning futuristic visuals, which was very well portrayed in this game
Conclusion
That's our introduction on the five best-reviewed games by users from Metacritic. Followed these five games are 10 mores that are also very worth trying at least once. We can name some awesome games: Devil May Cry 5, Control, Pokemon Sword/Shield and Disco Elysium.
And here's the specific list and scoring in case you miss it. Enjoy!